You’ve never heard of an Allstate car? Well, I hadn’t either until I was standing in front of one at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Fall auction. This 1953 Allstate Custom Coupe is a curious piece of automotive history, representing a brief period when Sears ventured into the car business.

In response to surging demand for new cars as part of the postwar economic boom, companies like Crosley were cranking out small, basic cars at an affordable price. Not wanting to miss out, the Sears company partnered with the struggling Kaiser-Frazer corporation to offer a mail-order car. Sold exclusively through the Sears & Roebuck catalog in 1952 and 1953, only 797 examples of this unique vehicle were ever produced. The original price was $1,589, equivalent to about $18,775 in 2024.

Despite being 7 decades old, this Allstate has been transformed into a stunning custom creation, and recently sold at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Fall collector car auction for $17,270. Let’s explore what makes this car so special.

The Original Allstate: A Catalog Car with Character

In the early 1950s, Sears sought to extend its influence into the automotive world by offering a car that could be purchased alongside home appliances and garden tools. The Allstate was essentially a rebadged Henry J, tailored for Sears customers with unique branding and slight modifications. While it wasn’t a high-performance vehicle, it stood out for its affordability, becoming a rare collectible over time.

Modern Performance: A Custom Transformation

This particular 1953 Allstate Custom Coupe has undergone a complete transformation, blending its vintage design with modern performance. Under the hood is a Ford 302 V8 engine equipped with an HEI distributor, headers, and an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor. This powerful setup delivers far more punch than the original Henry J, which was offered with a 68 horsepower inline-4 engine and later, an 80 horsepower inline-6 engine. Paired with a 3-speed C4 automatic transmission and a Hurst Pro-Matic 2 shifter, the car offers smooth and spirited driving.

The drivetrain has been upgraded with a Ford 8-inch rear end featuring 3.55 rear gears and posi-traction, ensuring excellent traction and acceleration. To keep things cool, an aluminum radiator and electric fan have been installed, making the car reliable even under demanding conditions.

Unique Restoration: A Toyota Frame

In a prior restoration, this Allstate has been swapped onto a 1977 Toyota pickup frame, which is certainly more durable than the car’s original frame which was designed to be manufactured as cheaply as possible. The frame’s manual rack and pinion steering improves handling, while the modernized suspension offers a smoother ride compared to the original chassis.

Inside, Toyota front bucket seats with fold-up armrests provide comfort and functionality, complemented by a custom center console, gauges, and a Woodward speedometer. These updates enhance the driving experience while maintaining a nod to the car’s vintage roots.

Distinctive Features: A Blend of Old and New

This custom coupe boasts several distinctive features that set it apart from other restomods. An original hood ornament that lights up with the headlamps adds a touch of whimsy, harkening back to the playful design cues of the 1950s. Though not currently installed, the listing description says that the car includes an original Allstate under-dash air conditioning unit, a rare and nostalgic accessory.

While the front bumper has been removed for a sleeker look, it is included with the car according to the listing.

A Collector’s Dream

With only 797 Allstate Coupes ever produced, finding one is a rarity. Discovering one that has been so carefully customized and modernized is even more remarkable. The $17,270 sale price at the Barrett-Jackson auction reflects the unique blend of history, craftsmanship, and performance this car offers.

Final Thoughts

The 1953 Allstate Custom Coupe is a compelling example of how vintage vehicles can be reimagined for the modern era. By combining a rare piece of automotive history with contemporary upgrades, this custom creation preserves the spirit of the original while delivering daily-driver reliability. Whether you are a fan of unique collectibles or innovative restomods, this Allstate is a true standout.

The “malaise era” of the 1970s was marked by stringent emissions regulations, rising fuel prices, and economic uncertainty. While many manufacturers struggled to adapt to new safety requirements, Lotus managed to produce cars that retained their innovative edge. The Elite’s fiberglass body and efficient powertrain showcased the company’s ability to innovate despite the challenges of the time.

The 1974 Lotus Elite is a testament to British ingenuity during the automotive industry’s “malaise era.” This wedge-shaped sports car recently sold at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Fall collector car auction for a very affordable price of $6,050. Let’s dive into what makes this Lotus Elite a fascinating piece of automotive history.

In the 1970s, the wedge-shaped design became a hallmark of sports cars such as the Bricklin SV-1 and a new prototype car called the DeLorean. The Lotus Elite (and its platform mate, the Eclat) offered a much more angular and geometric design, compared to the previous Lotus Elan. The Elite featured sharp, angular lines and an aerodynamic profile, which gave it a futuristic appearance for its time. Like its contemporaries from Italy, the car featured pop-up headlamps, a feature that screamed 70s sophistication and made the Elite stand out on the road.

The car’s red exterior, paired with a tan interior, provided a striking contrast that exuded classic sports car charm. Sitting on 14-inch wheels, this Lotus perfectly encapsulated the minimalist yet stylish ethos of the brand.

This 1974 Lotus Elite is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering respectable performance for a vehicle of its era. Paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, it offered a driving experience that prioritized engagement and agility over raw power. Lotus’s engineering focus on lightweight construction ensured the Elite remained nimble and responsive, true to the brand’s racing pedigree.

While many cars at Barrett-Jackson sell for six figures, there are still bargains to be had. With a hammer price of $6,050, this Lotus Elite represents a fantastic opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts. Though it may not command the astronomical prices of other classic sports cars, it offers a unique blend of history, design, and performance. For those looking to own a piece of 1970s automotive culture, this Elite ticks all the boxes.

The 1974 Lotus Elite is more than just a car; it’s a piece of automotive history that captures the spirit of a challenging yet transformative era. Its wedge-shaped design, pop-up headlamps, and lightweight engineering make it a standout choice for collectors and enthusiasts alike. With its recent sale at the Barrett-Jackson auction, this Elite proves that you don’t need to break the bank to own a car that is both unique and interesting.

The 2006 GDT Speedster is one of those unique creations that I discovered while walking the endless rows of cars at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Fall auction. Built on a 1994 Chevrolet Corvette, this one-of-a-kind car showcases the creativity and craftsmanship of a dedicated team of automotive professionals.

Recently sold for $19,250 at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Fall 2024 collector car auction, the GDT Speedster is a fascinating experiment—but is not without its quirks and compromises. Let’s take a closer look at this polarizing creation.

A Unique Vision

The GDT Speedster—named for the Gene Dickirson Team—is the result of a group of industry veterans’ desire to build a car from scratch, free from the constraints of corporate bureaucracy. While their mission was ambitious, the execution raises questions about practicality and usability. The project, which spanned from February 2000 to November 2005, resulted in a machine that features more than 2,000 customized and one-off parts but seems to prioritize style over substance. To me, the car looks like a concept vehicle straight from an auto show.

Corvette Foundations

Beneath its radical exterior, the GDT Speedster retains the chassis, steering, suspension, and engine of a 1994 Chevrolet Corvette. No matter what it looks like, it does at least drive like a sports car. However, one can’t help but wonder if retaining the stock Corvette platform undermines the ambition to create something truly original. By leaning heavily on Corvette’s mechanicals, the Speedster may have limited its potential for innovation.

Radical Design with Questionable Practicality

The GDT Speedster’s design is undeniably striking, but it comes at the cost of practicality. Its red exterior and brown interior are eye-catching, yet the extreme raked-back windshield and lack of a top or side windows severely limit its usability. This is a car built for perfect weather and not much else.

Additionally, the absence of conventional amenities like cup holders, a glove compartment, or side mirrors feels less like a bold design choice and more like an oversight. While these omissions might enhance the car’s minimalist aesthetic, they detract from its functionality as a vehicle that can be enjoyed beyond an auto show floor.

One of the standout features of the GDT Speedster is its integrated headrest humps or fins, which are reminiscent of race cars such as the legendary Jaguar D-Type. While visually striking, these elements feel more like a nod to classic designs than an innovative addition, reinforcing the sense that the car’s creators were more focused on aesthetics than breaking new ground.

A Labor of Love or an Exercise in Excess?

Creating the GDT Speedster was no small feat. Over five years, the team meticulously engineered every detail, from its bespoke bodywork to its entirely reimagined interior. However, the end result feels like a vehicle caught between two worlds: it’s neither a fully functional sports car nor a groundbreaking concept. Instead, it exists as a curious hybrid that struggles to find its purpose.

The Price of Exclusivity

When the GDT Speedster crossed the auction block at Barrett-Jackson, it hammered for $19,250. While this might seem like a bargain for a one-of-a-kind car, the price also reflects the reality that its appeal is limited. For all its bespoke craftsmanship, the Speedster remains a niche vehicle that may struggle to find a broader audience, even among Corvette purists.

Final Thoughts

The 2006 GDT Speedster is a bold experiment that deserves credit for its ambition, but it’s not without its flaws. Its striking looks and handcrafted details make it a standout, but its practicality leaves something to be desired. For the winning bidder, the GDT Speedster represents a fascinating piece of automotive history—albeit one that may be more at home in a collection than on the open road.